Weston leaves Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have announced that Phil Weston is to leave the club at the end of the season to spend more time with his family. Weston joined Gloucestershire in 2003 after leaving Worcestershire, who he played with since making his debut in 1991.

"I have asked to be released from the final year of my contract with Gloucestershire primarily for family reasons; this is to move back to my home in the north," Weston said. "This has been a difficult decision and one which I have not taken lightly as I have enjoyed many happy and successful times during my four years at Nevil Road."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved at the club especially the supporters and players to whom I wish every success in the future."

Weston has enjoyed a solid final season, scoring 911 runs in the Championship at 39.60, with two hundreds and six fifties.

"It was a great bonus to sign Phil in 2003 and he has been part of a very successful opening partnership with Craig Spearman," Gloucestershire's chief executive, Tom Richardson, added. "Obviously we are sorry that he is no longer playing with us but in this sense we do respect his wishes."